Friday, September 19, 2014

Probably should have read sponsorship in further decline without the question mark but I wanted to soften the blow a little bit. Hint at some forlorn sliver of hope that might still exist. But probably doesn't.
Despite appearances (or should I say the recent lack of appearances?) Mr. Curious has not been reliving 'Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas', working as a roadie for a KISS tribute band and categorically denies erecting mysterious communications towers disguised as pine trees across the continental United States. Instead he has been on the job ferreting out secrets from the inner conclaves of the paintball presidium. Unfortunately he was discovered, detained and forcibly re-educated in a camp rumored to be in the wilds of Arkansas disguised as a public school. Even after his escape he remembers little, continues to suffer from a disturbing twitch and mutters under his breath something about paintballs drying. So far VFTD has gotten only a few coherent sentences out of him.
Apparently the giants of the paintball industry are reevaluating sponsorships and plans are being or will be implemented that see a further tightening of sponsorships that may mostly affect the highest level teams. According to Mr. Curious even the future existence of some pro teams is in doubt but he has yet to name names--assuming that info exists somewhere in his tortured mind. While the various industry members seem to be aware of the others intentions they aren't acting as a unified front. While each appears to be modifying past practices each is doing so in its own way and at least one industry giant has apparently begun informing their currently sponsored teams of some of the changes coming.
What this will mean across the board to the pro teams is uncertain at this time but further belt-tightening can only make the effort to remain competitive all the more difficult. On the flipside though for the up-and-comers who have managed largely on their own so far it might make taking the next step up easier if the majority end up in the same or a similar situation. No way of knowing yet and no way of knowing to what extent sponsorship levels at the top of the game will change or the fallout those changes may bring.

8 comments:

Businesses look at long term economic evalulators. Which means if I invest money,how long till I see a return plus profits? Face it, businesses are only looking to make a buck.Yes ,there are those that care about paintball because they love the sport.But to continue to support the game as we now know it is a fruitless endevor. Paintball will always be a niche sport. It missed the boat for TV. Nobody with extra capitol cared about paintball till they heard someone was trying to get it on broadcast television and they could make a ton of cash.So they injected gobs of money into the sport to "Hype" it up.Anyone remember X-Ball? Fast, flashy in your face excitment!! Guess what? No TV deal and slowley the reigns are pulled in. It's peaked. Get over it. Times are changing.

There used to be a real correlation between what the teams can deliver to the manufacturer and what they receive as their package. I am not sure that teams deliver anywhere near that value now. I believe that if a team can really drive sales they are 100% worth the investment. For example - Rage was never a consistently 'winning team', but whatever they shot was always the #1 gun in the south Florida market. The sales from that market paid for Rage's deal, and that worked for everyone. Joy Division drove European sales. They were a team that delivered to their sponsors. Dynasty always deliver in Global sales. Vicious deliver sales in the Mid-west, but I am not sure how many other current teams are able to make a healthy sponsorship package financially viable to the people providing it, and there are diminishing returns when a manufacturer has more than one team representing them in a single league.

.

ABOUT

About Baca:
Baca Loco is the forum name I first used at P8ntballer.com and kept when I starting writing for PGi magazine, the late, lamented Paintball Games International. At various times I did gun reviews, event reports, the occasional feature, How-To’s & a monthly column entitled, View from the Deadbox. At one time or another I’ve done most everything you can do in paintball other than own a field or run a tourney series. For the last several years I have coached a number of pro teams and generally made a nuisance of myself whenever possible.

About VIEW FROM THE DEADOX:
One purpose of this blog is to encourage a dialogue about competitive paintball and permitting commenter anonymity is intended to encourage the participation of those who actually know what they are talking about. The rest of you are also welcome, even encouraged, to comment as well. (I don't really need any encouragement.)
The other purpose of this blog is to provide a focus for my attention deficit disorder and hold boredom at bay.

About my views:
Brilliant, visionary and almost always correct. Get used to it. Oh, and I'm humble too. Feel free to disagree as long as you are prepared to be wrong.

FAQ

How is paintball like golf? Golf is played outdoors on nice, well kept grass or, if something goes horribly wrong, off in the woods. Same with paintball.

How is a paintball made? What am I, Wikipedia?

Who are your sponsors? Who hasn't been one of my sponsors? I won't be trying to promote current sponsors on this blog nor will I take shots at non-sponsors. I don't give gun, goggle or gear advice so it really doesn't matter.

What's your view on cheating? It's wrong and has no place in the game. That's why I don't play scenario or Big Games.

What's your favorite marker? The free one.

Where did that awesome photo come from in the blog header? It is the work of photographer extraordinaire, Brandon Showers or the vixen with a Nikon (or maybe a Canon) Meagan Foster.

What's your favorite team? Grow up.

Who started the Rec vs. Tourney war? Some will say that's just the way it's always been. Others claim it's natural for the sides to be at odds. I say, aren't we all brothers under the goggles? I'm not sure but ask yourself who benefits? Follow the money. Could it be a covert plot of the Military Simulation Industrial Complex? As long as the war rages on there will be a demand for more paint, more markers and Big Paintball will continue to count its profits instead of the cost. Give peace a chance. That's all that I'm saying.

How do I get sponsored? You don't.

Will you send me any free stuff if I tell you what a big fan I am? No.

Is agg dead yet? Yes, it's time to move on to some new uber hip trendiness that everyone can follow to demonstrate their individuality.

Is it true the inside of Ollie Lang's gearbag smells like roses? No, strawberries and cream.